10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hull’s Secret History

Hull is a city with a deep and complex past, full of hidden stories that many people have never heard. While it’s known for its maritime heritage, its role in the English Civil War, and as the home of Philip Larkin, there’s far more to discover beneath its streets and along its waterfront. From underground prisons to a lost medieval town, Hull’s history is filled with fascinating secrets that will change the way you see the city.

1. The Forgotten Prison Beneath the Guildhall

Beneath Hull’s Guildhall, hidden away from public view, lies a network of underground prison cells dating back to the Victorian era. These eerie chambers were used to hold criminals, debtors, and even political prisoners who had fallen foul of the law. The cells were small, damp, and poorly lit, making conditions harsh and miserable for those imprisoned here. Shackles can still be seen attached to the walls, a chilling reminder of Hull’s judicial past. While the cells are rarely open to the public, those who have visited them describe an oppressive atmosphere and a sense of unease. Some paranormal investigators claim to have recorded unusual sounds and ghostly figures in the passageways, reinforcing local beliefs that the Guildhall is one of Hull’s most haunted sites.

2. The Lost Medieval Town of Ravenser Odd

One of Hull’s most mysterious stories is the tale of Ravenser Odd, a prosperous medieval town that vanished beneath the sea in the 14th century. Located on a sandbank at the mouth of the Humber Estuary, Ravenser Odd was a thriving port town in the 13th century, even rivaling Hull in importance. It had its own market, houses, and trading ships. However, as sea levels rose and storm surges battered the coastline, the town was gradually swallowed by the waves. By the 1360s, Ravenser Odd had disappeared completely, making it one of England’s most famous lost towns. To this day, local fishermen claim to have seen stone structures beneath the waves, and some historians hope that modern technology may one day reveal its exact location.

3. Hull’s Secret WWII Air Raid Shelters

During World War II, Hull was the second-most bombed city in the UK, after London. To protect its citizens, a network of air raid shelters was built beneath the streets, many of which still exist today. Some of these shelters were converted from existing basements and cellars, while others were purpose-built bunkers beneath key buildings. Thousands of people would cram into these spaces during heavy bombing raids, often spending the night underground while German planes attacked the city above. Many of these shelters have since been sealed off, but traces remain beneath Queen Victoria Square, Paragon Station, and various older buildings around the city. Occasionally, construction projects uncover these long-forgotten hideouts, offering a rare glimpse into Hull’s wartime resilience.

4. The World’s Smallest Window

Hull is home to one of the world’s smallest windows, located at The George Hotel on the Land of Green Ginger. This tiny peephole, measuring just a few inches across, was designed for a doorman to see who was outside before opening the door. In a time when security and discretion were vital, this little window provided a way to check for unwanted guests or potential trouble. Though it’s easy to miss, this quirky historical detail has become a popular curiosity, drawing visitors who are eager to spot one of Hull’s strangest architectural features.

5. Hull’s Role in Cracking Enemy Codes During WWII

While Bletchley Park is famous for breaking the Enigma Code, Hull played a crucial but lesser-known role in intercepting German naval communications during World War II. Coastal listening stations near Hull were part of the Y Service, a top-secret network that picked up enemy radio signals. These intercepted messages were then sent to Bletchley Park, where codebreakers worked to decipher them. This intelligence was vital in predicting enemy movements, especially in the North Sea, and helped the Allies gain an upper hand in naval battles. While much of this work remained classified for decades, historians now recognize Hull’s important contribution to the war effort.

6. Roman Relics Hidden Beneath Hull

Although Hull’s recorded history begins in the medieval period, archaeological finds suggest that the Romans may have settled here long before. Excavations have uncovered Roman pottery, coins, and other artifacts, hinting at a small but significant settlement near the River Hull. It’s believed that this outpost may have been used for trading and supplying Roman soldiers stationed in Yorkshire. While no major Roman structures have been found, the discoveries suggest that Hull’s history goes back much further than previously thought.

7. The Myth of Hull’s Smuggler Tunnels

Hull’s Old Town is full of legends about secret tunnels that once ran beneath the streets, used by smugglers to transport contraband like alcohol, tobacco, and tea. Some historic pubs—including Ye Olde Black Boy and The Sailmakers Arms—are rumored to have hidden passages connecting them to warehouses and the waterfront, allowing smugglers to avoid detection. While some subterranean passages have been discovered beneath older buildings, the full extent of Hull’s smuggling network remains a mystery.

8. Hull’s Historic Pubs and Their Untold Stories

Hull’s oldest pubs have witnessed centuries of history, rebellion, and intrigue. One of the most famous is Ye Olde White Harte, home to the legendary “Plotting Parlour”, where Hull’s leaders decided to refuse entry to King Charles I in 1642—an act that helped spark the English Civil War. Other historic pubs, such as The Lion and Key and The George Hotel, have preserved centuries-old decor and stories of ghostly encounters, making them must-visit locations for history lovers.

9. Hull’s Haunted History

Hull has a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in England, with many locations steeped in ghostly legends. Some of the most infamous hauntings include The Hull Royal Infirmary, where a Grey Lady has been spotted, The Lord Line Building, where eerie lights and footsteps have been reported, and the underground Guildhall cells, where visitors claim to have seen shadowy figures. With so many reports of paranormal activity, Hull has become a hotspot for ghost hunters and those fascinated by the supernatural.

10. The City That Stood Against a King

In 1642, Hull became the first city to openly defy King Charles I, helping to trigger the English Civil War. Governor Sir John Hotham refused to let the King enter at Beverley Gate, preventing him from seizing Hull’s weapons and supplies. This act of defiance made Hull a crucial stronghold for the Parliamentarians. Today, the remains of Beverley Gate serve as a historic reminder of Hull’s bold stand against the monarchy.

Discover Hull’s Hidden Past

Hull’s history is full of secrets, from vanished towns to underground prisons. The next time you walk through the city, remember—you never know what stories lie just beneath your feet.